HMS Brocklesby named navy’s top minehunter

Fresh bid made to save former Falklands flagship

PORTSMOUTH-based warship HMS Brocklesby has scooped the Royal Navy’s best minehunter award for her efforts off the coast of Libya last year.

Brocklesby spent 155 days clearing sea mines laid by Colonel Gaddafi’s forces in order to open up access to the besieged port of Misrata. Her efforts saw the ship’s company land the navy’s Mine Warfare Trophy and the Surface Fleet Efficiency Pennant which will now fly on the ship every day for the next 12 months.

The awards were handed over by Rear Admiral Duncan Potts and Captain Mark Durkin as part of the annual presentation of Fleet Efficiency trophies and standards.

Rear Admiral Potts commented on the navy’s ‘great achievements’ during the last year, particularly in operations off Libya, and stressed the importance of recognising the work of small ships and the mine-warfare community in the Gulf as well as the Mediterranean.

Since returning from Libya, Brocklesby has undergone maintenance and is in training ahead of her next deployment.